Protective undergarments having anchored pocketed-sling structures and manufacturing method therefor

ABSTRACT

A reusable infant or adult diaper comprising an inner anchored pocketed sling structure adjoining an outer shell or pant-type garment. The outer shell or garment fits the wearer&#39;s torso and legs, and the inner anchored sling fits and conforms to the wearer&#39;s pubic region. One embodiment of the invention includes mechanisms to fasten and remove the anchored sling from underwear. Other embodiments provide novel mechanisms to stabilize and/or anchor the sling when retrofitted to conventional underwear.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial No. 60/121,960, entitled “PROTECTIVE UNDERGARMENTSHAVING ANCHORED POCKETED-SLING STRUCTURES AND MANUFACTURING METHODTHEREFOR”, filed on Feb. 25, 1999, whose contents are incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to protective undergarments, andmore particularly to reusable underwear having, or retrofitted with,novel body fluid containment and fecal matter collection structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] To enhance the fluid and fecal containment properties ofprotective underwear, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,137,526 and 5,409,476, issued toFredrica Coates, describe protective underwear having a waterproof orwater-resistant sling with its front and rear ends adjoined throughconnecting pieces to an outer shell. This sling isolates body fluidsfrom spreading to the outer region of the shell by implementing elasticon the outer perimeter edge of the sling or waterproof gussets mountedon opposite sides of the sling. The elasticized and gusseted slingdesign is effective, although the volume of fluid able to be containedin this structure is limited.

[0004] As an improvement, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,127, issued to FredricaCoates, the sling is enhanced to form a deeper pocket and fasteners ofgreater adjustability to retain the garment to the wearer. However, evenwith improved fit and a deeper inner pocketed sling, there still remainsa need for a greater circumferential area for fluid and fecal mattercontainment. Hence, further disclosed in the '127 patent is a pocketedsling for retaining fluid absorbent pads. And Coates application Ser.No. 08/792,735, filed on Jan. 31, 1997, discloses a frontal hiddenpocket added to a connecting frontal piece for enhanced circumferentialarea and hence fluid absorption. However, a need continues to exist foran alternative device for increasing circumferential area for fluidcontainment. It is also preferred to provide body fluid containmentstructures, within what will appear to be conventional underwear,particularly desirable for an adult wearer.

[0005] There continues to exist a need for more effective protectiveunderwear, and garments for bed wetters or adults, that providecontainment while preserving underwear of aesthetic appeal. Priordevices, sewn or heat sealed to garments, are uncomfortable or tend toleak at places in the garment where holes are formed by sewing needlesused during assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a reusablediaper with anchor pocketed sling, produced in accordance with theprinciples of the invention and shown open into position to be worn.

[0007]FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a diaper with anchored sling,taken along the line 1A-1A in FIG. 1.

[0008]FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a diaper with anchored slingtaken along line 1B-1B in FIG. 1.

[0009]FIG. 1C shows the anchor cloth overlying the outer shell, as afirst step in manufacture of the reusable diaper.

[0010]FIG. 1D shows the anchor cloth with a mounted pocket sling,together with cutting away of the corner of the pocketed sling andfolding of the corner of the pocketed sling for formation of thepocketed sling structure.

[0011]FIG. 1E is a view of the pocketed sling, with the four corners ofthe pocket removed,

[0012]FIG. 1F shows a double pocket sling, where a second pocket isformed and anchored by a first anchored pocket.

[0013]FIG. 1G shows the four corners of the pocketed sling joined andformed with pocket edge covered by an elastic.

[0014]FIG. 1H shows assembly of an anchored pocket sling to the anchorcloth overlying a shell.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of theinvention with anchor pocket sling having extended cuffed pockets.

[0016]FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the diaper of FIG. 2, withanchored pocketed-sling and extending cuff pockets, taken along line2A-2A in FIG. 2.

[0017]FIG. 2B is a plan view of the anchor cloth overlying the shellcloth.

[0018]FIG. 2C shows the anchor cloth with mounted fabric piece to form acuffed pocketed sling.

[0019]FIG. 2D shows mounting and folding of the cuffed pocketed sling onits anchor cloth.

[0020]FIG. 2E shows assembly of a cuffed pocketed sling to the anchorcloth and shell.

[0021]FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention, with fastenersfor anchoring a pocketed sling, produced in accordance with theinvention.

[0022]FIG. 3A shows a removable pocketed sling with an attachmentmechanism at the reverse side of the sling.

[0023]FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the sling shown in FIG. 3.

[0024]FIG. 3C shows the anchor cloth with a snap attachment for thepocketed sling structure.

[0025]FIG. 3D shows a pocketed sling cloth with corresponding snapattachment mechanism.

[0026]FIG. 3E is a view of the anchor cloth having a Velcro® typefastening attachment mechanism.

[0027]FIG. 3F shows the pocketed sling cloth with corresponding Velcro®attachment tabs.

[0028]FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of an anchored sling and stripanchors, produced in accordance with the invention.

[0029]FIG. 4A shows the anchor cloth with attached strips in position tohold the pocket.

[0030]FIG. 4B shows a mounted pocket sling, held by anchor strips on ananchor cloth and overlying shell cloth.

[0031]FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of the invention, in which alady's or man's underpant is fitted with a pocketed sling anchored by ananchor cuff.

[0032]FIG. 5A shows the pocket sling structure of FIG. 5.

[0033]FIG. 5B is a view of the cuffed anchor piece attached to ananchored pocket seamed and attached to the underlying pant as an anchorcloth.

[0034]FIG. 6 is a view of another embodiment of ladies' or men'sunderpant, with a pocketed sling anchored by an anchor cuff in bothfrontal and rear portions of the garment.

[0035]FIG. 6A is a view of the pocketed sling structure of FIG. 6.

[0036]FIG. 6B shows the cuff anchor piece attached to an anchoredpocket, attached to the underpant fabric as an anchor cloth.

[0037]FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a reusable diaper havingsnaps, with a submerged pocket sling produced in accordance with theprinciples of the invention, and opened in position to be worn.

[0038]FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a diaper taken along line7A-7A of FIG. 7.

[0039]FIG. 7B shows an anchor cloth holding the submerged pocket, withpocket attached on the underside of the anchor cloth and overlying ashell cloth with snap fasteners.

[0040]FIG. 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of a man's boxerunderpant, open at its side seams, laid flat with a submergedpocket-sling structure retrofitted and produced in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

[0041]FIG. 9 is plan view of a belted undergarment with submergedpocket, produced per this invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1H, a reusable diaper in accordance withone embodiment of the invention, designated generally by numeral 10,comprises a waterproof or water-resistant (breathable type fabric)diaper shell 12 within which is retained a fluid containment pocket 50,positioned to be located about the groin when worn by an infant oradult. Referring to FIG. 1A, the diaper is formed of three layers; awaterproof or water-resistant outer shell 12, inner liner 16 generallysoft to the touch and optionally of fluid absorbent fabric, and a layer50 forming an anchored pocketed-sling 50 of water-resistant orwaterproof material 13. The two outer layers of the diaper shell 12 and16 are generally of the same shape, and the anchor cloth 16 is on theinside of, and aligned with, the outer shell 12. This lining 16 forms anattachment mechanism at a stitch line 17 to anchor the pocketed sling 50to outer shell 12. The outer shell 12 and its inner liner 16 are joinedat the leg hole by a leg elastic strip 18, which convolutes the twolayers, stitched at line 20 and holding the two layers together to forma leg hole 22. The inner pocketed sling is positioned and attached(stitched) centrally to the inner liner 16 only. Hence, the stitchingdoes not pierce shell 12.

[0043] Shell 12 has a fastener 24 of loop-type filamentary materialattached to the outer frontal surface of diaper 10. In the rear portionof the outer corners of diaper 10 are fasteners 26, affixed to thediaper 10 such that hook-type filamentary material 30 closes onto loopmaterial 28 to protect the hook material from accumulating lint duringlaundering, with the hook and loop materials being separated from eachother by a space 26 to form a hinge. The elastic strip 32 conforms thelayers to fit the waist and buttocks region of the wearer throughgathers 34.

[0044] Stitch line 42, which may be replaced by heat sealing, assemblesthe corners of the pocket. This assembly may also be accomplished byfolding the corners 21 inward to the reverse side, and then sealing toestablish an inside seam.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1A, which is a cross-sectional view of outerlayer 12 connected to the inner layer 16 at elastic strip 18, stitchline 17 adjoins pocket 50 to the inner liner 16. Elastic trim 40 formsan adjustable pocket opening to receive fluid into a fluid absorbing pad(not shown). Stitch line 42 connects the corners of the pocket 50, aspreviously described, and the pocket is inserted within elastic strip 40to present a smooth finished surface 42 to contact the wearer.

[0046]FIG. 1B is similar to FIG. 1A, but depicts the presence ofloop-type filamentary material 24 positioned on the outer surface ofshell 12. The loop material 24 fastens the garment to the wearer whenhook tabs 30, shown in FIG. 1, close onto the front of the garment.

[0047] FIGS. 1C-1H show the construction method by which three layers offabric come together to form a leak proof undergarment interior. In FIG.1C, a piece of anchor cloth 16 is positioned over outer shell 12,similarly configured, as a first step in the manufacture of anchoredpocket 50. In FIG. 1D, stitch line 17 pierces the cloth 16 in arectangular pattern and attaches to hold pocket 50 to its anchor clothnow stitched centrally. The edges or sides of the fabric 13 take shapeinto a pocket-shape 50 as corners 21 are removed, and the sides becomeseamed at 42. The pocket may alternatively take shape by forwarding thecorners at 42A and 42B, the folded cover 21A therefore is not removed.

[0048] In FIG. 1E, bulk is advantageously reduced in the garment byremoving the triangular corners at 21A shown in FIG. 1D. In FIG. 1F, anadditional piece of fabric at 50B is optionally added at stitch line 17A(for either waterproof or absorbing purpose) at pocket 50 as it overlaysthe stitch line 17 of the primary pocket 50.

[0049] In FIG. 1G, pocket 50 is now formed as seamed, joined or heatsealed at 42, so as to keep the pocket sides properly shaped, and withelastic 40 convoluting the edge of the pocket.

[0050] In FIG. 1H, the three layers are now in position to be joined atstitch line 17B. The layers are held together for assembly of thegarment to its fasteners and leg hole elastic strips, as seen in FIGS.1, 1A and 1B.

[0051] Refer now to FIG. 2, depicting another embodiment of theinvention, in which the outer shell is the same, but sling configurationdifferent compared to the embodiment of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, diaper 10 isagain composed of three layers; outer layer 12 of water-resistantmaterial, inner layer 16 that is not water-resistant and an inner fabric72 cuffed to form pocketed sling 68 of water-resistant material. Therectangular pocketed sling 68 has folded fabric 72 at end cuffs 60 and61, the rear cuff 60 being formed by folding outer perimeter edge 80 offabric 72 inward, and the two raw edges of the fold inserted intoelastic strip 62. Elastic strip 62 extends longitudinally to frontalcuff pocket 61, where an alternative folded edge 61A joins outer pocketedge 71 at seam line 71A. Frontal pocket 61 is formed as raw edge 71joins with raw edge 61B at seam line 71 on the interior side of thepocket. Hence, cuff 60 is formed in the rear portion of the diaper byadjoining folded edges within the elastic, as compared to frontal pocketcuff 61 where elastic 62 covers edge 71 and together they are joined tofolded edge 61B at seam line 71 on the interior side of the formed cuffpocket. Optionally, the elastic may be omitted on underside at 71 asfinished edge is formed by seamline 71 rather than elastic 62. The rearcuff outer corner may be stitched down at stitch line 62A. The entirepocketed-sling 68 is attached to anchor cloth 16 in the central portionof diaper 10 at stitch line 70, which forms a stabilizing rectangularattachment of cuffed pocketed-sling 68 to its anchor cloth 16. Leg hole22 and fasteners 24 and 26 are identical to those depicted in FIG. 1.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2A, which is a cross-sectional view of pocket68, outer layer 12 is connected to inner layer 16 at elastic trim 18,and held fast by zig-zag or straight stitching at 20. Cuff pocket 60 isformed as the sidewall of fabric 72 of pocket 68 bends at outer edge 80into the point of stitch line 70.

[0053] Manufacture is carried out first by overlaying cloth 16 onwaterproof cloth 12 as its liner, as shown in FIG. 2B. In FIG. 2C, liner16 and fabric piece 72 are stitched in an hourglass fashion at 70 toanchor cloth 16. Opposite ends of water-proof fabric piece 72 areoverlock stitched at 80.

[0054]FIG. 2D shows the opposite ends being folded inward to form cuff60 and folded backward forming cuff 61. At cuff 60, the folded sideswill meet and be encased in elastic strip 62, bending the wall of fabric72 inward. The opposite end of the cuff is formed in a differentfashion, as end 80 of cuff 61 is folded backward, and the two raw edges61B and 71A are encased in elastic strip 62.

[0055] In FIG. 2E, the cuff is reversed and seam 61 is made flush withthe fabric raw edges, and elastic is now on the inside of pocket 68.Optionally, a tacking 62A can be added to hold elastic down at cuff 60.The formed pocket 68 adjoined to cloth 16, overlies outer shell fabric12, and is ready for assembly as a garment of protective underwear.

[0056] In another embodiment of the invention, depicted in FIG. 3,diaper 10 is composed of two layers, with liner 16 and shell 12connected at elastic strip 18 by stitching 20. The absorbingpocketed-sling 50 of FIG. 1 is detachable through an optional fastenermaterial, such as Velcro® in the form of a rectangular sewn piece 86, oralternatively as snaps 120. In FIG. 3B, the Velcro® fastener is mountedat line 82 on anchor cloth 16, whereas in FIG. 3A, the pocketed sling 50is shown detached from its anchor cloth to expose the underlyingattachment. Examples are snaps 121 to be matched within 120 of FIG. 3when coupled for use, or Velcro® fastening strips 66 stitched at 84 forcoupling with complementary Velcro® strip 86, stitched at 82.

[0057] FIGS. 3C-3F show optional placement of the fastening means forenabling the pocketed sling to be detached from its anchor cloth. FIG.3C shows the mounting of four male snaps 120 overlying shell 12, FIG. 3Dthe pocket piece 50 with corresponding female straps 121, and FIG. 3EVelcro® loop material mounted on anchor cloth 16 overlying cloth 12. Andin FIG. 3F, a pocket 50 is formed with hook fastener strip 84 stitchedat 66 to be coupled with a rectangular member 86 when the pocket isfully formed, as shown in FIG. 1, where attachment is stitching.

[0058] In another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 4, diaper 10 is composedof two layers of fabric: an inner layer overlying a shell 12. Thepocketed sling device described in FIGS. 1-3 is now anchored to theliner cloth 16 with strips of fabric 64A, 66A, 67A, positioned on oneside of the anchor cloth 16, and on the opposite side anchor strips 64B,66B and 67B are positioned to hold and stabilize the pocket. In thisfigure, the anchor strips are each tacked to the anchor cloth 16; 64A istacked at 62C, 66A at 66C, 67A at 67C, 64B at 64C, 66B at 66C and 67B at67C. As the first step in the stabilization of pocketed sling 68, FIG.4A shows the tacking on the anchor cloth 16, and in FIG. 4B the stripseach bend inward into the elastic strip 62 as the pocket is formed. Justas in FIG. 2, elastic strip 62 is exposed at cuff 60, but not at cuff61. Hence, strips 64A and 64B are inserted in the elastic 62 at one endand at the opposite end are inserted in the seam 61B with elastic 62 onthe underside of cuff 61, holding the seam together.

[0059] In another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 5, the (anchor) linercloth 16 of the previously described embodiments now becomes 16A theoutermost surface of protective underwear diaper 11 in that itestablishes conventional underwear, opened at side seams 102. This, forexample, could be a lady's panty (or a man's jockey pant) by simplyclosing seams 102. However, what is important is not merely the outsideappearance. With the waterproof or water-resistant shell being omitted,the same principles of the invention are applied to develop moreaesthetic devices.

[0060] Still referring to FIG. 5, an anchor cuff 160 of triangular shapeholds pocketed sling 500 in position to be worm. Pocketed sling 500 isof a waterproof or water-resistant material. Cuff piece 160 is stitchedon the inside of the garment 11 at 162. This cuff is held to layer 16A,the garment or panty fabric 16A, in a triangular stitch pattern 162. Atthe widest end of the triangular cuff 160, pocketed sling 500 isattached at seam line 163 by an overlock finishing stitch. Leg hole 22is covered by elastic 118. Elastic strip 5 finishes the outer edges ofthe garment 11.

[0061] In the rear portion of the garment, pocketed sling 500 isstabilized with stitching 170 on opposite sides of structure 500. Thestitching anchors the sling structures as well as waterproof region ofthe garment. The resulting design is most advantageous for women whoneed a protective panty when in supine position.

[0062] The sidewalls of pocket sling 500 are brought together at seam104. This process of forming the pocketed sling structure is best asseen in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0063] In FIG. 5A, the shape of pocket 500 is formed as sides 104A and104B are bent inward and joined at seam 104. Elastic strip 400 isapplied to fit the groin of the wearer as pocket 500 elasticizes aroundthe pubic area. The opposite end of the pocket 500 is folded andstitched at lines 403 and 404, preferably covered by an elastic stripthat improves fit and water resistance. In FIG. 5B, the cuff 160 isjoined to the end of pocket 500, at stitch line 162. Folded walls 104Aand 104B are seamed at 104, creating a top and under surface of thepocket now both held together by overlock stitching 162. The panty willbe seamed at 102, and is now ready for application of elastic to theouter edge of the protective underwear.

[0064]FIG. 6, another embodiment of similar structure to FIG. 5,incorporates the same elements of structural formation; 16A, a bothpanty and cloth for a pocketed sling, the same elastic 5 is finishingouter waist portions of the garment, side seams 102, when seamed areforming protective panty 11. The anchored pocket of FIG. 6 now carriescentral connecting pieces 160 at frontal and rear portion, now stitchedcentrally to 16A at stitch line 163. Anchor strips 620 are inserted inboth sides of leg hole, elastic 18 at central portion of leg holeelastic 18 and then connected, inserted in, elastic of pocket elastic40. Manufacturing of garment strips 620 may be in reverse order ofassembly by first being inserted in pocket elastic 40 and then attachedto central portion of the panty (stitched over top of elastic 18). Theseconnecting pieces 620, anchor the pocket 502 without piercing the fluidabsorbing or containing area of pocket 502. The connecting piecessuspend the pocket 502 centrally at opposite ends. The pocket 502 isconnected at opposite ends by overlock stitching 108. Elastic 18finishes the leg hole. Elastic 40 terminates within seam 104, and theoutermost edge of the pocket is finished by overlock stitch 162.

[0065] In FIG. 6A, pocket 502 shows the attachment of side anchor strip62 in a seam line 620A.

[0066] In FIG. 6B, center anchor pieces 620 are now encased in elastic400A in stitch line 620A.

[0067] In FIG. 7, there is yet another embodiment of an anchored pocketsling. This embodiment is identical to FIG. 1 with the exception thatthe pocketed structure is attached, suspended below the anchor cloth;therefore, the pocket 50 resides between the shell 12 and anchor cloth16.

[0068]FIG. 7 also depicts side snap fasteners for fastening sides ofgarment together for wearing. Side snap fasteners 100, 102 are used inthis garment as an alternative to Velcro® fasteners shown in earlierfigures.

[0069] Waist elastic 110 is also positioned beneath anchor cloth 16A, soas to protect skin of wearer in the event that the elastic may be wideand need fabric over it. Overlock stitching 105 connects 16A with outershell 12 at the outermost edge of the garment.

[0070] On the underside, dotted lines represent the now suspended andfloating pocket, 50, of same structure as pocket 50 of FIG. 1. It is ahidden pocket, suspend by the joining of perimeter edge 13 to anchorcloth 16A at elastic 40. Side seams 42 are joined as in FIG. 1, but nostitch line 17 is necessary in this embodiment as the base of pocketfloats. This feature further enhances waterproof property of pocket.

[0071] In FIG. 7A, pocket 50 is suspended between 16A and 12A. Elastic40 holds pocket perimeter edge with anchor cloth circular edge 43.

[0072] In FIG. 7B, another view of manufacture of submerged pocketdesign, anchor cloth 16A overlies shell 12A.

[0073] In FIG. 8 the submerged pocket structure of FIG. 7 is applied toa male boxer short 22. The submerged pocket 50 includes the principlesof the invention disclosed in FIG. 6 including submerged pocket 50, withseamed corners 42, suspended between anchor cloth 16A and waterproofpiece 12A held on opposite sides by elastic 18. The addition to thisvariation of the invention is anchor strip 52 which stabilizes theprotective sling in the rear portion of boxer short 22. Boxer short 22has an elastic waist 110 and a sling device with submerged pocket 50held to central frontal interior portion of boxer pant 22 at stitching118.

[0074] In FIG. 9, the submerged pocket of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 is the sameexcept, as shown, as a belted undergarment 14, where all principles ofthe invention are applied, and for fastening to the wearer, belt 106with button 114 is coupled with buttonhole 104. Buttonhole 104 pierceswith stitching both shell 12A and anchor cloth 16A. Folded edge 12Bfinishes the part of the undergarment

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective undergarment, comprising: an outerlayer of fluid-resistant material shaped to conform to the buttock andleg region of a user; an anchor layer secured to the outer layer andhaving a shape conforming to that of the outer layer; and an inner layerof fluid-resistant material with all sides folded inward andinterconnected to form a pocket attached to the anchor layer.
 2. Aprotective undergarment as in claim 1, wherein a base portion of thepocket is positioned on a surface of the anchor layer.
 3. A protectiveundergarment as in claim 1, wherein the pocket is secured to the anchorlayer by stitching.
 4. A protective undergarment as in claim 1, whereina surface of the anchor layer is formed with an opening conforming inshape to the shape of the pocket, only a periphery of the pocket issecured to the anchor layer and the pocket is suspended through theopening toward the outer layer.
 5. A protective undergarment as in claim4, wherein the periphery of the pocket is stitched to the anchor layer.6. A protective undergarment as in claim 4, wherein the periphery of thepocket and anchor layer are joined at an elastic strip.
 7. A protectiveundergarment as in claim 1, wherein the pocket is held to the anchorlayer by a releasable fastener.
 8. A protective undergarment as in claim7, wherein the releasable fastener comprises a filamentary or snapfastener.
 9. A protective undergarment as in claim 1, wherein the pocketis formed by a rectangular piece of material, the corners of which arefolded inward and outer edge of the pocket covered by an elastic strip.10. A protective undergarment as in claim 1, wherein the pocket isformed by a rectangular piece of material, with triangular portions nearthe corners of the pocket removed, adjacent sides of each triangularportion are joined together and outer edge of the pocket covered by anelastic strip.
 11. A protective undergarment as in claim 9, whereinopposite ends of the pocket are cuffed and the elastic strip coversedges of the cuffs to establish an elasticized adjustable pocketopening.
 12. A protective undergarment as in claim 9, wherein the pocketis held to the anchor layer by a releasable fastener.
 13. A protectiveundergarment as in claim 10, wherein the pocket is held to the anchorlayer by a releasable fastener.
 14. A protective undergarment as inclaim 9, wherein the pocket is held to the anchor layer by connectingpieces of material.
 15. A protective undergarment as in 4, wherein theinner layer of material suspended through the opening forms a pocketthat is wider than the opening and floats with respect the outer layer.16. A protective undergarment, comprising: a first, outer layer offluid-resistant material; a second layer of material having itsperipheral edge attached to the first layer, having a shape conformingto that of the first layer and having a central opening; a third layerof material attached only at its outer edge by an elastic strip to thesecond layer and extending beneath the opening toward the second layer,the third layer being proportioned relative to the opening such as toform a pocket beneath the second layer that is larger than the opening.